PixlBit

Hey everyone! Its been a while since I posted on here. A month and three days to be exact. So this game has been my most anticipated game of this year. Even though it released early during the year, there isn't that many games this year that I'm just as excited for compared to this game. Maybe Battleborn and Overwatch. 

Anyways, I've put in about 36 hours into the game and I feel like I have a good enough idea to give a well rounded review. Now as you all may have seen, this is your typical third-person cover based shooter with futuristic technology. As much as I would like to talk about the story, I am not one to spoil anything. Especially when it comes to video games. All I will say is I like how they created the story behind the game and thought it was creative. 

Gameplay: The controls feel smooth. When roaming around the city, I feel like I can easily take cover anywhere when enemies pop up. The shooting mechanics can use a little work. I feel like there were times where I should have hit my targets but end up missing. Nothing that will take away the experience though. The recoil on guns do have different levels of stability but you'll just have to use some burst firing. My friends and I have occurred a glitch where you would get stuck in spaces such as doors that are half closed, spaces between cars, road hazard blockades, and other terrain.

Matchmaking: I already knew this was going to have problems. During the beta, there were connection issues when I tried to create or join a group of friends. But now, Ubisoft has fixed that problem but there are still those little problems with connecting.

Map Size: As you may have noticed in trailers or gameplay videos, The Division takes place in New York. Specifically Manhattan. Seeing the map size at first, I was kind of disappointed because I expected the game to be a HUGE open world and thought I would get access to the whole island but it looks like the game takes place throughout Midtown. But I thought maybe they would open up the map more when the DLC comes out so that is a possibility.

Multiplayer: Instead of being called "Multiplayer" you enter an area called "Dark Zone." This is where players get a chance to team up against other players or fight through the enemy AI that are controlling that part of the city. This isn't your average CoD multiplayer where you shoot the first person you see. In this case, everyone is a friendly and is in that area doing the same thing as you, getting better loot. But if you were to shoot a person, you will be marked as a Rogue. Which will alert not only the person you were shooting at, but everyone around you and everyone in DZ that can see you on the map.

There are areas called "Extraction Areas" where you can extract any weapons, gear, clothing, modifications etc. This allows you to extact those items and get them in the main game. Now this also paints a target on your back because there are other players who can try to take you out and steel all of your loot that you worked hard for. That is one thing of the Dark Zone that intensifies the game. If you were to die from an AI or an enemy player, not only do you drop everything you picked up but also XP, some money, and keys called "Dark Zone Keys" that allow you to open certain chest that you find but must be a high level. I have yet to open one because I haven't reached a high enough level yet. From my experience, extracting items is anxious but rewarding.

Loot: The Division has a good amount of loot drops from enemies. Items are rated by color. So you have your White(worn), Green(standard), Blue(specialized), Purple(superior), and Yellow(high-end). There are vendors in each safe house you discoverDepending on what level you are and what area, you will get different types of these loot items. I believe around level 28 is when enemies start to drop purple items. I was lucky enough to get a yellow drop in a DZ firefight. I cannot fathom how nervous I was when I called in an extraction. 

Customization: You can customize your character when you first start the game. There aren't many options available but they should do. Throughout the game, you will get gear from enemies and completing missions. You can obtain chest armor, kneepads, holsters, masks, backpacks, gloves, hats, shirts, jackets, pants, scarfs, and shoes. Another great thing I like about this game is the modifications you can get for your weapons and gear.

There are modifications that can fit every gun but there are also some mods that are intended for certain guns to give them a little more performance. But every mod will work on any weapon and gear item. You can also obtain camos for weapons. Gives it a little more flavor to your favorite rifle and make it stand out amongst your friends and make them go "where did you get that camo skin?!"

Within the game, you have a Base of Operations. In it contains a Medical, Tech, and Security wings. This allows you to unlock different perks and abilities for your character. There are missions in the game that give you points towards each wing. Your character can only have three abilities. I usually go with healing and offensive bomb.

Overall, this game is basically exactly what I wanted from it. Like a lot of people, this is pratically my Destiny game of 2016. Looked forward to this game for a long time and now its here! Also, if you get the Gold Edition or the Season Pass, you get exclusive clothing items and I believe some other items. Another reminder, make sure to log into the Ubisoft store in the game to redeem some free rewards and some to use points on! Let me know if you end up getting the game. 

Have a great weekend everyone!